Ekaterina Svetlova

Research Scientist @ Beacon Therapeutics

About

Molecular Biologist with expertise in gene therapy (AAV) and cancer research. Designed rAAV-shRNA gene therapeutic construction to suppress the mutant allele of GNAO1 gene and developed approaches for GNAO1 associated encephalopathy, based on the delivery of recombinant AAV (rAAV) carrying shRNAs. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Study of the role of mitophagy in regulating tumor cell sensitivity to chemotherapy using compounds activating and inhibiting the process of mitophagy in cancer cells. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Designed and executed experiments to investigate the function of specific cell adhesion proteins in cancer cell invasion and migration. Collaborated with other researchers to identify potential targets for the development of anti-metastatic molecules. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SKILLS Cell culture DNA/RNA extraction and purification Bacterial transformation Mammalian cells transfection and transduction Development of genetic vectors based on AAV Molecular cloning PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR DNA and RNA electrophoresis SDS-PAGE Western blot ELISA Flow cytometry Phase contrast microscopy Fluorescence microscopy IHC Protein purification Sample preparation for NGS Software: SnapGene, Geneious, Fiji - ImageJ

Country

United Kingdom

City

London

Industry

Biotechnology

Skill

Data Analytics, Cytometry, Cryopreservation, Flow Cytometry, Purification, Protein Science, Seeding, Microsoft Excel, Teamwork, Communication, Mammalian, Routine Maintenance, DNA, Protein Production, Data Analysis, Research and Development (R&D), Cell Biology, Bioassay, Microsoft Office, Cancer

Experience

Research Scientist

Beacon Therapeutics

2023-6 - Present · 3 yrs 4 mos

Specialising in rAAV design, molecular cloning, full process of in vitro screenings and experiments for retinal conditions.

Head of STEM department

Polytechnic Museum

2021-11 - 2022-10 · 1 yr

Research Scientist

Marlin Biotech

2017-8 - 2021-7 · 4 yrs

Moscow, Russia

Designed rAAV-shRNA gene therapeutic construction to suppress the mutant allele of GNAO1 gene and developed approaches for GNAO1 associated encephalopathy, based on the delivery of recombinant AAV (rAAV) carrying shRNAs. Patent pending. Conducted experiments to test the efficacy and safety of the gene therapy approach in patient-derived fibroblasts and iPSC-derived neurons. Performed quality assessment of vectors based on AAV, molecular cloning, standard molecular biology techniques. Launched and moderated weekly lab Journal Club. Supervised junior scientist and lab assistants. Drafted and submitted grant proposals to RSF (Russian Science Foundation).

STEM programs Developer

Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology

2019-5 - 2019-9 · 5 mos

Moscow, Russia

Junior Research Scientist

Laboratory for Research of Apoptosis Mechanisms

2015-9 - 2017-8 · 2 yrs

Moscow, Russia

Found the novel combination of drug compounds that increased the efficiency of Cisplatin chemotherapy drug up to 50% on the cell culture. Conducted research on the role of mitophagy in regulating tumor cell sensitivity to chemotherapy using compounds activating and inhibiting the process of mitophagy in cancer cells.

Laboratory Assistant

Lomonosov MSU (Moscow State University)

2014-9 - 2015-8 · 1 yr

Moscow, Russia

Work with prokaryotes: cultivation, transformation. Work with eukaryotic cell cultures: cultivation process. DNA and RNA extraction, primer design, PCR, DNA and RNA electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE.